On Sunday morning I walked along Burleigh beach, stopping to talk with people out and about enjoying our beautiful weather and environment. It’s crystal clear what locals are concerned about here – loss of the much-loved character of the esplanade from enormous highrise buildings, car parking and easy access to the beach.
Did you know that, there are plans to commercialise our beaches? A Destination Gold Coast report from February 2019 identified five beach clubs as the top priority tourism project. It has been reported on numerous occasions that the current Mayor supports this proposal. I believe he, and the Melbourne-based consulting economists who prepared the report, misunderstand the image and culture of the Gold Coast.
Our beautiful, clean and accessible beaches are our greatest asset. As your next Mayor, I will support equipment for occasional events, but never fixtures for commercial bars on any Gold Coast beach.
When I canvassed opinions on this today, 100% of people said they are opposed to any form of permanent commercial structures on our beaches.
From Point Danger to Jumpinpin, our Pacific beaches must always be protected. I know that local surfers want the World Surfing Reserve to extend all the way from Point Danger to Jumpinpin and I will support that.
Surf Culture and the $3.3+ billion surfing industry, which employs more than 20,000 people, are integral to the heart, soul and economy of our city.
Let’s create a Global Surf Hub here in the Southern Gold Coast – a precinct that draws together and promotes different elements of surfing culture – history, retail, design and manufacture, training, arts and entertainment.
We don’t need a Cruise Ship Terminal or a second casino. Let’s strengthen our international profile and create more local jobs through showcasing aspects of the Gold Coast that are truly of world significance.